KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – A five-wicket haul from fast bowler Deshawn James handed Jamaica control of the Rising Stars Under-19 men’s three-day final against Barbados, on day two of the contest here yesterday.
After Jamaica lost their last six first inning wickets for 52 runs to be all out for 269, James grabbed five for 21 to reduce Barbados to 158 all out, earning his side a more than handy first inings lead of 111 runs.
At one stage, Barbados were well placed at 88 for two but lost their last eight wickets for just 70 runs, leg-spinner Tamarie Redwood supporting well with three for 56.
Nimar Bolden top-scored with 37 while Nathan Sealy got 24 and opener Achilles Browne got 23, but no one carried on to get Barbados close to their target.
In their second turn at the crease, Jamaica reached four without loss in the single over available, an overall lead of 115 runs heading into Tuesday’s final day at the Arnos Vale Stadium.
Resuming the morning on 217 for four, Jamaica lost their two set batsmen without any significant addition to their overnight scores.
Left-hander Jordan Johnson, on 118 at the start, added only two runs before falling for 120 while Brian Barnes also managed to add two to his overnight 59, before departing.
Left-arm spinner Sealy was the chief architect of the collapse, picking up three wickets of the six wickets to tumble, to end with five for 64.
In reply, Barbados enjoyed a fairly decent start when Browne and Zion Brathwaite (16) posted 26 for the first wicket.
James got the breakthrough, however, Brathwaite driving loosely to extra cover where Justin Beckford took a diving catch inches from the turf.
And off the very next delivery, James pinned Joshua Dorne on his stumps to gain an lbw verdict, and leave Barbados tottering.
Bolden, who faced 67 balls and struck four fours, put on 62 for the third wicket first with Browne and then with Joshua Morris (20), to revive the innings.
Browne, unbeaten on 23 at lunch with Barbados on 72 for two, retired hurt at the break and never returned, and Bolden’s stay ended when he played back to left-arm spinner Alex Hinds and was lbw in the seventh over after the resumption.
Morris then added a further 40 for the fourth wicket with Sealy before the final collapse came, Barbados losing their last six wickets for 30 runs in quick time.
In the other games, Guyana, replying to Windward Islands’ 244, reached 115 for two in their first innings at the close at Park Hill.
At Cumberland, Trinidad and Tobago secured a narrow eight-run first innings lead over Leeward Islands after being bowled out for 126.